Punching apparatus



Jan- 28, 1954 H. w. WAGEMANN PUNCHING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 19, 1961 INVENTOR. HEINRICH WAGEMANN ATTORNEY H. W. WAGEMANN PUNCHING APPARATUS Jan. 28, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 19I 1961 1NvENToR. Hemmer-l WAGEMANN BY VM ATTORNEY Jan. 28, 1964 H. w. WAGEMANN 3,119,556

PUNCHING APPARATUS Filed June 19. 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 PuNcH CA 214,27b

C ING oF col s 33 b Pu s L FEED CAMS 55 54 i@ WM 5 :f4 INVENTOR. HENRlCH WAGEMANN FIG.6

ATTORNEY United States Patent O 3,119,556 PUNCG APPARATUS Heinrich W. Wagemann, West Orange, NJ., assigner to Monroe Calculating Machine Company, Grange, NJ., a corporation of Delaware Filed .lune 19, 1%1, Ser. No. 117,977 Claims. (Cl. 2343-115) This invention relates to `apparatus for punching data on record members such as t-ape or cards.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a .punching apparatus which is compact, of relatively simple structure and capable of high speed operation.

Another object is to provide punching apparatus including a plurality of selectively operable punches and improved and rapidly operable selection means for said punches.

A further object is to provide punching apparatus including a plurality of select-ively operable punches wherein Va relatively large portion of a cycle of operation may be allotted to operation of selection means.

Another `object is to provide punching apparatus having particularly positive operating ydrive means common to 'a plurality of selectively operable punches.

Another obiect is to venable normally disabled feed means for a record member in a punching apparatus in response to each operation of selectively operable punching members.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a speciiic embodiment thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. l -is a plan view of the punching apparatus.

|FIG. 2 is a side elevation,

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view.

PIG. 4 is a vertical section taken on the line 4 4- of FIG. 1.

`FIG. 5 is a timing cha-rt for operation of the punching apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the tape feed control means.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, the punching apparatus comprises a line of vertically disposed punches 1 adapted to punch columns of coded data in a record tape 2. The apparatus is shown as operating with eight punches. Obviously, however, there may be a greater or lesser number of punches depending on the system in which the yapparatus is employed. Additionally, there is a punch 1f interposed in the line of punches 1 yfor punching feed holes in record tape 2.

Supporting means `for the various components of the punching apparatus comprises a pair of side plates 4 and 5 (FIGS. y1-4). Extending between side plates 4, 5 and secured to the inner side walls thereof is a supporting plate 6. An upper guide plate 7 also extends between side walls 4, 5 `and is secured on the upper face of plate 6.

Supporting plate 6 is cut inwardly at its left edge (FIG. 4) to permit the reduced upper operating ends of punches 1, 1f to engage lguide holes in plate 7. The lower ends of .punches 41, 1f are also of reduced size and engage guide holes in a lower lguide plate ,10 which extends between side plates 4, 5 and is suitably secured to the inner side walls thereof. Punches 1, 1f therefore are supported lfor vertical movement in plates 7, 1li.

A die plate y8 (FIGS. l, 4) is secured on the upper face of lguide plate 7 and is provided with a line of holes in registration with the 'guide holes in plate 7. Die plate 8 is suitably spaced from guide plate 7 to permit passage of tape 2 above the upper ends of punches 1, 1f which are normally a slight distance below the upper Aface rice 2 of .guide plate 7. In a punching operation, later described, punches `l, 1f are selectively raised to engage the holes in die plate 8 thereby perforating record tape 2.

A normally disabled coupling member comprising an intenponent 12 (FIG. 3, 4) is selectively adjust-able to couple each punch 1, 1f to a common operating bail 13 later described. Each intei'ponent l12 is attached to the left end ot a link :14 which has pivotal 4attachment at its right end to a vertically disposed armature arm 15. Arms .15 are pivotally mounted at their lower ends on a transverse shalt 16 supported in side plates 4, 5 and are held in spaced relationship at their ripper ends by a comb plate 11 (-FIGS. 1, 4).

Armature ,arms 15 are biased counterclockwise by springs 9 but are adapted to be restrained in clockwise position by electromagnetic means which is controlled as later described. With arms 15 restrained clockwise, intenponents 12 will be held ltoward the right in disabled position by links 14.

Interponents 12 are supported on a transverse plate 17 (-FIG. 4) secured on lower guide plate `1li and each slidably engage-s a recess in the side wall of an associated punch 1, 1f as best seen in lFIG. 3. Each interponent at its `left end is provided with an open end slot `12s normally positioned to the right of and valigned 'with the right `edge of bail 13. Normally, therefore, bail 13 will be idly raised and lowered in .ineffective operation by drive means later described. If, however, an armature 15 is released and moved countercloclewise by its spring `9, slot 12s of the associated interponent 12 will be rnoved to the left to engage bail 13 which in ope-ration will raise and then restore the associated punch 1, 1f to eiect a punching operation.

It will be noted that the lower left end of each interponent is extended to underlie bail 13 when the interponent is in normal ineffective position. Accordingly, the effectively adjusted interponents may be restored to disengage slots 12s before bail 13 is restored downwardly and yet the operated punches will be positively restored to their lowered position by the bail. Thus close timing of the operations may be achieved. From the above, it will be seen that selected punches 1, 1f Will be positively and simultaneously driven in operating and restore strokes by raising `and lowering of bail `13.

The electromagnetically contnol-led means for holding anmatures 15 clockwise against the urge of springs 9 and for releasing the armatures operates substantially in .accordance with the principles disclosed in application Serial No. 88,244 to Nathaniel B. Wales, lr.

The electromagnetically controlled means includes a laminated pole member 20 (FIGS. 3, 4) common to all of the armatures 15 and extending transversely thereof. Pole member 20 is bent at right angles to -form a horizontally disposed portion the end of which is adapted for engagement by armatures 15, and a vertically disposed portion on which are mounted horizontally disposed pole lingers Z1. Pole lingers 21 are staggered at three different levels to achieve close lateral spacing and each is adapted for engagement by one of the armatures 15 which will simultaneously engage the end of common pole member Ztl.

An elongated holding coil 22 embraces the horizontal portion of pole member 2l) and is therefore common to all of the pole fingers 2.1. A constant direct current potential (not shown) is applied to coil 22 and thus a magnetic holding circuit will be completed through an armature 1S when itis in clockwise engagement with pole member 2i) and the related pole linger 21. Normally, armatures 15 are clockwise in engagement with common pole member Ztl and pole lingers 21, and the magnetic attraction is just suliicient to hold them against the counterclockwise urge of springs 9. However, when the armatures are disengaged lthe attracting magnetic force is not suicient to move them clockwise against the urge of their springs.

Each pole `linger 21 is embraced by a release coil 23. Now if a current pulse of given amplitude is passed through a release coil 23 in a :direction opposite to that passing through holding coil 22, the magnetic ux level will be reduced in the magnetic circuit including pole member and the related pole nger 21 below the holding level. The related armature therefore will be released and moved counter-clockwise by its spring 9 to adjust the associated interponent 12 to coupling position with bail 13.

Release coils 23 are selectively energized in well known manner in time with operation of the punching apparatus by a source of electrical pulses (not shown) in accordance with any known code such as binary, trinary, etc. It will be noted that the coil 23 which controls punch 1f for the tfeed holes will be pulsed only when one or more ol` the other coils 23 are pulsed. A feed hole therefore will be punched .simultaneously with punching of a column of coded data but not otherwise. The invention, however, is not concerned with the pulse source nor transmission of the pulses to the coils. After the punching operation the released armatures 15 are restored as later described and tape 2 is advanced also as later described.

The above describes a preferred means for selectively adjusting interponents 12 to effective position upon pulsing of coils 23. It will be understood, however, that the electromagnetic structure may be modified to control the adjustment of interponents 12. The most obvious modi- 'fication would be the elimination of holding coil 22 and the substitution of a permanent magnet for pole member 20. In another alternative structure, arms 1S could each be restrained lby a mechanical latch and coils corresponding to coils 23 4would be selectively pulsed to release the latches. In yet another modification, pole member 2t) and coil 22 would be eliminated, and coils 23 would act as normally energized holding coils ywhich would have their circuits selectively broken to release armatures 15. Other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Means for driving ythe various components of the punching apparatus comprises a main drive shaft 25 journelled in side frames 4, 5 and extending therebetween. Shaft 25 (FIGS. 2 4) is continuously driven clockwise by a motor (not shown) when the apparatus is in use. A housing 26 (FIG. 4) extends between side frames 4, 5 and encloses shaft 25 and associated mechanism. Housing 26 is secured to the inner side walls of frames 4, 5 by suitable bolt means and is filled with oil (not shown) to promote long life `and deaden the sound of the mechanism. Leakproof gaskets (not shown) are positioned between the ends of housing 26 and the side frames. Also shafting extending outwardly from the housing through the side frames is mounted in leakproof bearings (not shown).

Means `for operating lbail 13 (FIGS. 3, 4) to effect a punching operation comprises a pair of complemental cams 27a, 27b fast on shaft 25. A cam follower 28 has a pair of composed rollers 28a, 28h respectively engaging cams 27a, 27h. Cam follower 28 is fast on a sha-ft 29 which is journalled in side frames 4, 5 and extends outwardly therefrom.

A pair of horizontally disposed arms (FIGS. 2, 3) are secured at ytheir left ends at the respective ends of shaft 29 exteriorly of side frames 4, S. Bail 13 extends transversely between frames 4, 5 and outwardly through suitable openings in the frames and is secured at its ends to the respective right ends of arms 36.

During each rotation of drive shaft 2S, cams 27a, 27b will, through follower 218, rock shaft 29 counterclockwise and return. Accordingly, bail 13 will be raised and lowered by arms 30 to operate and restore those punches 1, 1f which have been coupled to the bail by interponents 12.

After a punching operation, a bail 32 (FIGS 3, 4) is operable to restore all armatures which were released irl the selecting operation. Bail 32 extends transversely be@ tween side frames 4, 5 to the left of armature arms 1S and is mounted at the upper ends of a pair of vertical'arms which at their lower ends are fulcrumed on shaft 16.

Means Ifor operating bail 32 to restore arms 15 comprises a pair of complemental cams 33a, 3312 fast on shaft 25. A cam follower 34 has a pair of opposed rollers 34a, 34h respectively engaging cams 33a, 3312. Cam follower 34 is fast on a shaft 35 which is journalled in side frames 4, 5 and extends outwardly therefrom. l

A pair of substantially vertical arms 36 are secured at their lower ends at the respective ends of shaft 35 exteriorly of side Iframes 4, 5. A pair of horizontal links 37 are attached at their respective left ends to the upper ends of arms 36 and are attached at their respective right ends, through openings in side frames 4, 5, t0 the arms of bail 32.

During each rotation of drive shaft 25, cams 33a, 3312 will, through follower 34, rock shaft 3S clockwise and return. Bail 32 therefore will be rocked clockwise and return by the train comprising arms 36 and links 37. In its clockwise movement, bail 32 will engage compression springs 15s (FIG. 4) on arms 15 thereby restoring said arms clockwise into engagement with pole member 20 and pole fingers 21 where they will be held by the magnetic attraction until again released by pulsing of coils 23. Compression springs 1Ss permit excess clockwise movement of bail 32 to positively restore arms 15 regardless of manufacturing discrepancies.

After the restoring operation for armatures 15 of the selection mechanism, feed means is operable to advance tape 2 (FIG. 4) one step of movement toward the left for the next punching operation. The tape advancing means includes a sprocket wheel 38, the teeth of which are adapted to engage the feed holes punched in the tape by punch 1f.

Sprocket 38 is located to the left of guide plate 7 and die plate S and is fast on a shaft 39 journalled in side frames 4, 5. Shaft 39 extends outwardly from frame 4 and fast thereon is a toothed feed wheel 40 and an overthrow check wheel 41 (FIGS. 1-3). A detent 42 comprising a spring urged roller is adapted to engage the teeth of wheel 4ll to hold the parts in successively stepped position.

Means for stepping feed wheel 40 comprises a horizontal arm 43 pivotally mounted at its left end on the outer face of frame 4 below wheels 40, 41 and spring urged downwardly at its right end to engage a limit stop comprising a pin extending outwardly from frame 4.

An opstanding feed pawl 44 is pivotally mounted at its lower end adjacent the right end of arm 43, Spring means attached to a pin on paw] 44 is normally operable to hold the pawl counterclockwise with the pin engaging a shoulder of arm 43.

In operation, by means later described, arm 43 will be rocked counterclockwise and return. Counterclockwise movement of arm 43 will raise pawl 44 to engage a tooth 44! thereof with a tooth of feed wheel 4t) thereby indexing said wheel one step of counterclockwise movement. Accordingly, tape 2 will be advanced one step toward the left by sprocket wheel 3S. At the terminal part of the above operation, a tooth of a check pawl 4S xed on arm 43 will engage a tooth of check wheel 41 to prevent overthrow of the parts. During the return movement of the parts, pawl 44 will yield clockwise and tooth 44t will click idly over a tooth of feed wheel 40.

Means for operating the above tape feed mechanism comprises a pair of complementa] cams 46a, 461; fast on shaft 25. A cam follower 47 has a pair of opposed rollers 47a, 47!) respectively engaging cams 45a, 4619. Cam fol lower 47 is fast on a shaft 48 which is journalled in side frames 4, 5 and extends outwardly from frame 4.

A rightwardly extending arm 49 is secured at its left end to the end of shaft 48 exteriorly of frame 4. The right end of arm 49 has pivotal attachment intermediate the ends of a horizontal arm 50 which is pivotally mounted at its right end on a stud projecting from frame 4. The left end of arm 50 terminates in a lug 50a which engages a slot 51a in the lower end of an interponent comprising a link 51 which at its upper end is pivotally attached adjacent the right end of arm 43.

Link 51, intermediate its ends, is connected by a link 52 to the lower end of an armature 53a (FIGS. 2, 3) of an electromagnet 53 mounted on the outer face of side frame 4. Armature 53a is pivotally mounted at its upper end and is normally spring biased counterclockwise from engagement with electromagnet 53. As a result, link 52 will hold link 51 clockwise with a shoulder 51s of slot 51a to the left of lug 50a of arm 50.

During each rotation of drive shaft 25, cams 46a, 46h will, through follower 47, rock shaft 48 counterclockwise and return. Arm 49 therefore will be rocked counterclockwise and return, and arm Si) clockwise and return thereby raising and lowering lug Stia. If, prior to the above operation, there has been no selection and consequent punching operation, lug 50a will be moved idly in slot 51a and the feed mechanism will not be operated to advance tape 2. If, however, a punching operation has been performed, electromagnet 53 will be energized to rock armature 53a counterclockwise and move link 52 to the right. This will rock link S1 counterclockwise to position shoulder 51.5` above and into the path of movement of lug Stia. Consequently, link 5l will be raised and lowered with lug Stia thereby operating feed pawl 44 to advance tape 2.

Means for energizing electromagnet 53 in response to each punching operation includes a switch 54 having a pair of contacts resiliently biased to open position. A resilient arm of one of the contacts has a depending insulating pin located immediately above link 14 of interponent 12 for punch 1f which punches feed holes in the tape. It will be recalled that punch 1f is invariably operated with one or more punches 1 in each punching operation. Therefore when link 14 is raised and lowered with punch 1f, the contacts of switch 54 will be closed and opened.

When the contacts of switch 54 are closed a circuit (FIG. 6) for electromagnet 53 will be completed. However, operation of the feed mechanism cannot be effected before punches l, 1f are restored and at this time the contacts of switch 54 will be opened. Therefore delay means including a capacitor 55 in parallel with electromagnet 53 is operable to delay drop out of armature 53a until after operation ofthe tape feed mechanism.

Reference is made to the timing chart of FIG. 5 for timing of operation of the punching apparatus through each rotation of main drive shaft 25 beginning with operation of cams 27a, 27h to effect the punching operation. Operation of cams 27a, 27b to effect a punching operation is illustrated by the graph line p. After the punching operation, cams 33a, 33h are operable to effect the restoring operation for the selection means as illustrated by the graph line r. And after the restoring operation, cams 46a, 46b are operable to effect operation of the tape feed means as illustrated by the graph line f.

As illustrated in the timing chart, pulsing of coils 23 in selection for a next punching operation begins immediately after restoration of the operated selection means for the preceding punching operation, i.e., as bail 32 is being restored, and extends to the beginning of said next punching operation. Thus maximum selection time is achieved.

The invention has been disclosed as apparatus for punching record tape. Obviously, certain features of the invention may be adapted for use in punching other record members such as cards, etc. It is understood therefore that the invention is to be restricted only by the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim: n

l. In a punching apparatus: a punching element; an operating member for said punching element; a control member adjustable to effective and ineffective positions respectively to render said operating member effectively and ineffectively operable; yieldable means for urging said control member to effective position; magnetic means for holding said control member in ineffective position against the urge of said yieldable means; means for attenuating the magnetic force of said magnetic means to permit operation of said yieldable means; and means for restoring said control member to ineffective position.

2. The invention according to claim 1: wherein said means for attenuating said magnetic force of said magnetic means comprises a release coil adapted to receive a current pulse in a given direction.

3. The invention according to claim 2: wherein said magnetic means is electromagnetic and comprises a holding coil adapted for passage of current in a direction opposite to said given direction.

4. In a punching apparatus: a plurality of punching elements; an operating member common to all of said punching elements; a control member for each punching element adjustable to effective and ineffective positions respectively to render said operating member effectively and inelfectively operable with respect to said punching element; electromagnetic means including a plurality of core pieces each having a pole; an armature for each pole; a connection between each control member and one of said armatures; spring means for biasing each armature away from its pole to adjust the connected control member to effective position; means for generating a magnetic flux adequate to hold each armature in engagement with its pole against the urge of said spring means to hold the connected control member in ineffective position; a coil for each core adapted to receive a current pulse in a given direction to attenuate the magnetic force holding the associated armature to permit operation of its spring means; and means for restoring said control members to ineffective position.

5. In a punching apparatus: a reciprocable punching element; an operating member; means for driving said operating member in forward and return strokes of operation; an adjustable coupling operable to move said punching element in both operating and return strokes of reciprocatory movement; yieldable means for urging said coupling to a coupling position wherein said coupling is operable to reciprocate said punching element upon operation of said operating member; magnetic means for holding said coupling against the urge of said yieldable means in an uncoupling position wherein said operating member is idly operable; means for attenuating the magnetic force of said magnetic means to permit operation of said yieldable means; and means for restoring said couplings to uncoupling position.

6. In an apparatus for punching a record member: a plurality of reciprocable punching elements; a bail, means for operating said bail in forward and return strokes of movement; a coupling slidably connected with each punching element for transmitting forward and return strokes of reciprocatory movement to said element from said bail and slidably adjustable to uncoupling and coupling positions with respect to said bail; means for holding each coupling in uncoupling position; means for selectively adjusting each coupling to coupling position; and means for restoring said couplings to uncoupling position.

7. The invention according to claim 6: wherein each coupling is provided with an open end slot which is disengaged from said bail when said coupling is adjusted to uncoupling position and is engaged with said bail when said coupling is adjusted to coupling position.

8. The invention according to claim 7: wherein a portion of each coupling at one side of its slot extends beyond the open end of said slot and into the return path of movement of said bail when said slot is disengaged from said bail.

9. In an apparatus for punching a record member: a plurality of reciprocable punching elements; a bail; means' for operating said bail in forward and return strokes of movement; a coupling slidably connected with each punching element for transmitting forward and return strokes of reciprocatory movement to said element from said bail and slidably adjustable to uncoupling and coupling positions with respect to said bail; means for holding each coupling in an uncoupling position wherein said bail is idly operable with respect t0 said coupling; means for selectively adjusting each coupling to coupling position; feed means for advancing said record member; normally disabled drive means for said feed means; means for enabling said drive means in response to operation of a given one of said punching elements; and means for restoring said couplings to uncoupling position.

10. In an apparatus for punching a record member:

a plurality of reciprocable punching elements;

abail;

means for operating said bail in forward and return strokes of movement;

g5 an adjustable coupling operable to move each punching element in both operating and return strokes of movement, said coupling having an open end slot with a portion of said coupling at one side of said slot extending beyond said open end; means for holding each coupling in an uncoupling position wherein its slot is disengaged from said bail with said extending portion of said coupling in the return path of movement of said bail; means selectively operable to adjust each coupling to a coupling position wherein its slot is engaged with said bail; and means for restoring said couplings to uncoupling position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 25,123 MacNeill Feb. 13, 1962 1,063,940 Belin June 3, 1913 2,775,300 Hoffman Dec. 25, 1956 2,927,636 Branscomb Mar. 8, 1960 2,938,583 De Boo May 31, 1960 3,018,040 Wales Ian. 23, 1962 3,064,882 Levin Nov. 20, 1962 

1. IN A PUNCHING APPARATUS: A PUNCHING ELEMENT; AN OPERATING MEMBER FOR SAID PUNCHING ELEMENT; A CONTROL MEMBER ADJUSTABLE TO EFFECTIVE AND INEFFECTIVE POSITIONS RESPECTIVELY TO RENDER SAID OPERATING MEMBER EFFECTIVELY AND INEFFECTIVELY OPERABLE; YIELDABLE MEANS FOR URGING SAID CONTROL MEMBER TO EFFECTIVE POSITION; MAGNETIC MEANS FOR HOLDING SAID CONTROL MEMBER IN INEFFECTIVE POSITION AGAINST THE URGE OF SAID YIELDABLE MEANS; MEANS FOR ATTENUATING THE MAGNETIC FORCE OF SAID MAGNETIC MEANS 